Horse Racing: National ride on Moor Lane up for grabs

The ride on Martell Grand National favourite Moor Lane is still up for grabs, it has emerged.

Norman Williamson rode the gelding to victory on his comeback at Newbury in December while Barry Fenton was on board when the 10-year-old took last month’s Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster.

But Ian Balding is keeping his options open in the Aintree showpiece, for which Moor Lane is Coral’s 10-1 market leader.

‘‘Barry Fenton or Norman Williamson might be possible jockeys for Moor Lane it has yet to be decided,’’ said the trainer’s son and assistant Andrew.

‘‘Moor Lane is in great form and has had it relatively easy since his win at Doncaster. My father Ian returns from South Africa today and Moor Lane will be trained when he’s back he’s just been ticking over.

‘‘Moor Lane is very much an intended runner in the Martell Grand National and he’ll have a preparation specifically geared towards the one day.’’